Obituaries
Willa D. Tidwell
Willa Dean (Hammond) Tidwell, of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 2, 2021 at the age of 71. Willa was born in Concord, Mich. on April 16, 1949, the daughter of Willard Hammond and Mary (Music) Perkins. She worked for the State of Michigan for 20 years before retiring in 2017. Willa enjoyed gardening and having coffee on the back deck. She loved her dogs, especially her golden retriever, Buddy.
Willa is survived by her son, Jamie (Shannon Milliman) Tidwell; daughter, Robin Tidwell; grandson, James Tidwell; siblings, Doxie (Jim) Drinkwater, William (Peggy) Hammond, Geneva Tyrnow and Kris (Johnny) Walker; several nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law, Kathy Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jimmie Dee Tidwell and brother, Jerry Hammond.
A visitation was held on Friday, March 5, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 South Main Street, Eaton Rapids. Private burial was planned for Oakwood Cemetery. Those desiring can make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1775 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. To place online condolences or to sign the guest register, please visit MillsFuneral.com.
Judy A. Gray
Judy Ann (Ellsworth) Gray, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on March 2, 2021, at the age of 61. Judy was born in Eaton Rapids on September 23, 1959, the daughter of Dale and Suzanne (Botsford) Ellsworth.
Judy had many titles throughout her life: Mom, wife, Grandma Juju, Aunt Juju, dear friend, in-home daycare provider, college graduate, analyst with the Michigan Department of Corrections, and cancer warrior. Although she ultimately lost the battle to pancreatic cancer and related illnesses after three and a half years, she went out still fighting, loving, caring for, and protecting the ones she loved.
Judy had a heart of gold and a joyful, playful, generous spirit, with a smile that would light up your heart. She definitely got mileage out of her life – moving from Michigan to Florida and back again, raising her two children in her hometown, near her extended family. She shared many travel adventures with them, going the extra mile whenever possible – even when it ended up just being a drive around the same block a few times. She never missed the annual Ellsworth camping trip – even in this last year, which she enjoyed immensely with her grandson in a “living room truck” (aka RV). She hosted fun parties at her home for any reason imaginable, and almost always defaulted to yes for anyone who asked. This past year has been hard on everyone, but Judy was especially disappointed to miss out on hosting those great parties, going out to dinner with her brothers and sisters, wine tasting with cousins and friends, visits with friends, outings with her grandson, husband, and kids, and so much more that was put on hold.
Judy is survived by her husband, Mark Gray of Eaton Rapids; children, Michelle Chambers of Lansing and Michael Chambers of Eaton Rapids; grandchild, Kaleb Chambers; mother, Suzanne Ellsworth; siblings, Janice (Mark) O’Donnell, James (Theresa) Ellsworth, Joseph (Linda) Ellsworth, John (Debbie) Ellsworth, Jeffrey Ellsworth and Jill Ellsworth. She was preceded in death by her father, Dale; niece, Holli Tyler; and nephew, Justin Ellsworth.
A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ele’s Place – Capitol Region, 1145 West Oakland Avenue, Lansing, MI 48915. To place online condolences or to sign the guest register, please visit MillsFuneral.com.
Randall J. Lauck
Randall Jay Lauck, of Lansing, passed away February 26, 2021 at the age of 65. Randy was born in Wheeling, W. Va., November 22, 1955, the son of Earl and Margaret Alberta (Queen) Lauck. Over the years, he worked for Melling Forge, Peckham Industries, Eaton Stamping and cut wood for his own business. Randy enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre, watching NFL football, Redwings hockey, playing pool, tennis and ping pong. He was a kind-hearted gentleman who loved to rescue dogs and was a gifted animal trainer.
Randy is survived by his siblings, Deborah Collins of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Steve) Ambs of Onondaga, Burt (Wanda) Lauck of Eaton Rapids, Jackie (Jim) Barnes of Charlotte, Curtis Lauck of Eaton Rapids, Tracy (Pat) Mahoney of Eaton Rapids, Frederick (Kimberly) Lauck of Eaton Rapids; many nieces and nephews; and his dog, Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmom, Florence (Bunker) Lauck and brothers, Harvey Swan and Douglas Lauck.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To place online condolences please visit their website at MillsFuneral.com.
Marilyn K. Matzinger
Marilyn Kay Matzinger, age 78, died on February 20, 2021. She was a resident of Dimondale, and worked as an in-home care giver.
Jodi A. Harris
Jodi Ann Harris, a woman with a generous heart who treated everyone equally, died unexpectedly at her home on Sunday February 21, 2021. Jodi, age 55, was born August 2, 1965 in Charlotte, the daughter of Troy and Doloras (Rossi) Harris. Jodi was a giving soul who was always willing to take care of others, even when she couldn’t take care of herself. Many of her friends remember her as an outgoing person who loved to be around her family. Her family members drew inspiration from her ability to overcome many of the difficulties she faced during her lifetime. She was most proud of her family, especially her son Joe, and her many nieces and nephews. They remember Jodi being there to root them on at wrestling matches, football games, cheerleading, and all of their many activities. Some of their favorite memories are of the wonderful times that they spent with Jodi taking part in some of her imaginative play times such as playing dress-up and making houses and cities out of cardboard boxes in the backyard.
Jodi is survived by her son, Joe (Libby) Harris; mother, Doloras Harris; sisters, Teresa Uhl, and Angela (Joe) Russell; brothers, Victor Harris, and Mark Harris; grandsons, Clark and Oliver Harris; and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Troy Harris; brother Sylvester Harris; brother-in-law, Spike Uhl; and grandparents, Victor and Angelina Rossi, and George and Flora Harris; and niece and nephews Kayla Barnett, Kyle Barnett, and Curtis Harris.
Friends are encouraged to support Jodi’s family. Private family funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 24 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Jodi’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jodi on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.